New Rental Inspections In Falls

Some landlords in International Falls are not happy with city plans to begin inspections of rental properties.

The city says it's being done to ensure the health and safety of tenants.

Lawyer Dan Griffith presented a petition to council last night says the new law isn't necessary.

The inspections will begin in 2014 with property owners charged 20-dollars for each unit they own.


Councillor Cynthia Jacksa says a task force will be set up with landlords to help them transition into the new rules.

Locum House Fundraising At Halfway Mark

The fundraising campaign to build a new home for locum physicians who travel to Rainy River is at the halfway mark.

Committee member Jack Elliott says they hope to add to the $155-thousand raised so far with a couple of fundraising events taking place, including a Pennies From Heaven initiative.

There is also a fundraising supper planned during this weekend's Railroad Daze.

Chiefs Gather Today

The chiefs of Canada's First Nations, including several from northwestern Ontario, are gathering in Toronto today for a national strategy session which will see them elect a national chief later in the week.

Former Grand Chief of Treaty Three Diane Kelly among the candidates.

The Assembly of First Nations' annual general meeting will also see the chiefs hammer out a policy agenda for the coming months.

Theft From Wedding

A newly-wed couple in Fort Frances is hoping to get some special memories from their wedding back.

Maryan Fracziewicz says wedding gift cards, along with a safe containing cash from bar sales, were taken sometime after their reception Saturday at the Memorial Sports Centre.

Fracziewicz isn't expecting any money contained within cards to be recovered, but because of their sentimental value to the cards, given by friends and family, he's they can be found at least.

Anyone who finds the cards can return them to our station or OPP.

Sturgeon Being Followed On Rainy Lake

Sturgeon in Rainy Lake and the Namakan River are continuing to get a lot of attention from researchers.

They're tracking the movements of fish implanted with transmitters.

Lakehead University associate professor Brian McLaren says they've already gained some interesting data about spawning habits.

The study has been funded for another two years.

Active Fire Weekend

MNR photo

Rain likely to give a hand to easing the forest fire situation in northwestern Ontario.

Over sixty fires are now considered active by the Ministry of Natural Resources, including three in the Rainy River district.

Two are located within Quetico Provincial Park and another near Fredrickson Lake, south of Mine Centre.

Most of the current fires have been lightning caused.

Overdue Boaters Make Way To Safety

Some damage to their boat, but a happy ending to a journey for three Fort Frances men forced to spend a night on an island on Rainy Lake last week.

OPP were called Thursday morning after family members reported the men overdue from an excursion the night before to a restaurant on the U.S. side of the border.

Police say when the men were returning, their boat struck a reef, forcing them to an island.

The men flagged down a vessel the next morning who returned them to the mainland where they called home to report they were safe.

Cars Destroyed in Transport Fire

Six cars being trailered by a transport have been destroyed by fire.

OPP says the incident happened Friday night on the Trans Canada Highway west of Dryden.

The highway was closed for about two hours.

The cause of the fire was not identified.

Rainy River College Woes Canadians

A relationship between Universities of Minnesota and Manitoba is helping to draw some Canadians to Rainy River Community College.

Recruiter Barb Fisher says being able to use the International Falls college as a stepping stone has been a strong selling point to Canadian students.

Fisher says keeping tuition rates for Ontario students the same as those paid by Minnesotans has also helped attract prospective students.

About 10 per cent of the College's enrolment each year currently comes from Canada

More Help To Combat Bullying Needed

Education advocates say new anti-bullying legislation coming to Ontario schools in September is a step in the right direction.

But Annie Kidder, with the group People for Education, says the only way to help stop bullying is by helping both the bullies and their victims.

Kidder says bullying is usually caused by mental and psychological issues.

Bass Tournament Needs Volunteers

CFOB file photo

Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship will be looking tonight for volunteers for next week's tournament.

It's holding a sign-up event at Boston Pizza between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Over 100 volunteers are needed.

More Fires Reported

The forest fire activity in northwestern Ontario continues to heat up.

Fifteen new fire were reported yesterday, bringing to 35 the number of active blazes in the region.

None are in the Rainy River district.

The Ministry of Natural Resources says many of the new blazes are the direct result of lightning-strikes.

Area Guide Charged

A fishing guide from the Rainy River district has been fined four-thousand dollars for a variety of offences.

Ron Lemmon of Bergland was charged following a two-year investigation by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Court was told that during one fishing trip, he encouraged anglers to take more than their legal limit and then sold them off.

In another incident, he sold both walleye caught by someone else and venison to another person.

NOMA Worries Over Doctor Fees Dispute

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is wading into the contract dispute between the province and its doctors.

In a letter to Health Minister Deb Matthews, NOMA president Ron Nelson worries some of the changes in fees will impact northern Ontario communities' ability to recruit and retain doctors.

He's asking Mathews to ensure the cuts to fees don't impact disproportionately northern doctors with specialized services working in both hospitals and clinics.

First Nations Leadership Debate

Candidates seeking become the top Native Chief in Canada debated the issues last night.

Diane Kelly, a former Grand Chief of Treaty Three, believes her experience can help be of great assistance to the Assembly of First Nations in dealing with senior levels of governments.

She one of seven candidates up for the position.

More than 600 First Nations chiefs will select a Grand Chief  at the Assembly's conference next week.

Walk For Justice

A walk across the country is hoping to see important change.

Leo Baskatawang and others are walking across Canada to see the government make changes to the Indian Act.

Baskatawang says they've been put on the back burner for far too long.

The group hopes to be in Ottawa by September 3.

Heat Killing Off Fish

Heat is taking its toll on fish in Minnesota.

High water temperatures and low oxygen levels have combined for thousands of northern pike in several shallow lakes to die.

Northerns are vulnerable because they're better suited to cooler temperatures and can't seek refuge in the depths when lakes and streams are less than 6 feet deep.

Similar fish deaths have been noted in the Dakotas and Wisconsin.

New Library Head Named

Fort Frances Public Library Board has gone outside the community in its selection of a new Chief Executive Officer and Chief Librarian.

Alicia Subniak-Kilgour of Collingwood will take over duties September 4 from the retiring Margaret Sedgwick.

Subniak-Kilgour is currently completing a Masters degree at Western University, but has 16 years of library experience.

With Sedgwick now enjoying extended holidays until her official retirement date, Andrea Avis will be serve as interim CEO until September.

 

Lightning Fires A Concern

The threat of more lightning-caused fires still a concern for the Ministry of Natural Resources.

MNR spokesperson Heather Pridham says with recent warm temperatures, new fires are popping up almost daily.


There's no restriction on camp fires, but Priham says the public should take precaution to minimize the threat of human caused fires adding to the MNR's workload.

The three fires reported in the Rainy River district at Entwine Lake, White Otter Lake and Kishkutena Lake have all been declared out.

New Temperature Record

A new temperature record was set in Fort Frances Wednesday.

The high of 32.7 C surpassed the old mark of 32 C set in 1998.

Atikokan hit a high of 32 C, but two degrees shy of a 1966 record.

Ban Impacting County

A plan to phase out the production and import of ozone-depleting refrigerants in the U.S. could be costly to Koochiching County.

The County's Terry Glowack says many of the air conditioning units used in County buildings are using fluids that won't be readily available in 2020.

Glowack says all of them will have to replaced, some costing in excess of $20-thousand.

The County has already been forced to shell out $8-thousand to replace a unit at its jail that was damaged by a recent storm.

Atikokan Youth Group Gets Dollars

An Atikokan Youth group is receiving a financial boost from the provincial government.

Aikokan Youth Initiatives will use $30-thousand to establish a "Teen Vitality" Project.

It's will provide extra-curricular activities to address issues such areas physical activity, reducing tobacco use and mental health promotion.

Conservancy Seeks Members

Rainy Lake Conservancy photo

The Rainy Lake Conservancy is looking to expand its membership.

It's involved in an number of initiatives with the aim of preserving and protecting the Rainy Lake watershed.

Past-president Phylis Callahan says they're also looking for people to help out.

Membership forms can be found on its website www.rainylakeconservancy.org.

Camp Concerns

Officials in Koochiching County say there's little they offer to ease residents complaints about an area youth camp.

The location of docks, a parking lot and noise some of the complaints received.

Environmental Services Manager Dale Olson says a failure to rezone some of the land the only thing the County can really address.

Olson says while some measures can be taken to minimize noise, the camp operations are following all normal and legal regulations.


The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says it will also see if the camp could avoid moving of campers at unusual times of the night.

Koochiching Seeking Sewer Project Money

Koochiching County is hoping to secure a share of funding being offered up by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

It's seeking $7.5- million dollars for a new sanitary sewer collection system in the Island View area connecting about 200 people.

It's one of ninety projects across the State seeking a share of the $47.5-million in a State business  development fund.

Successful candidates will be announced in August.

Gold Drop Not Warranted

A market analyst says there's no reason for the price of gold to be selling at current prices.

Speaking on Smartstox.com, Bill Murphy of the Gold Anti-Trustee Action Committee blames the recent free-fall on a gold cartel consisting of government and world banks.

He says despite claims of economic issues impacting Europe, he sees no reason for gold to be sitting at its lowest level in more than a year.

Some analysts says the price drop will impact on junior and developing gold projects trying to attract investors.

Want To Use The Dragon Boat?

There's an attempt to get the Dragon Boat back on the Rainy River.

NCDS in Fort Frances will be hosting a meeting Thursday night (July 12) at 5 p.m. for anyone interested in using the boat this summer.

It follows the recent Dragon Boat festival that attracted nine teams and plenty of spectators.

Water Meter Problems

Still some issues with new water meters installed earlier this year by the town of Fort Frances.

About 170 meters were installed to replace old ones within the town's commercial, industrial and institutional sectors.

Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says 67 meters are still experiencing some minor problems.

Brown says the firm that worked on the project is returning to fix them, but is still waiting for the necessary parts.

More Land Purchases

Another property acquisition in the Rainy River district for the purpose of mineral exploration.

Bold Ventures says it's acquiring two properties in McCaul township, about 14 kilometers east of Atikokan.

The company says the site has seen some exploration in the past, primarily for gold.

Town To Take Over Former Hotel

The former Rainy Lake Hotel will become property of the town of Fort Frances.

Town councillors agreed last night to vest the shuttered hotel.

CAO Mark McCaig says since no one came forward to buy it in a recent tax sale, a decision by the town had to be made.

The decision is also seen as a first step towards developing the site into a proposed market square, but those discussions won't happen until next year's budget talks.

Arena Fix Approved

Fort Frances town council has approved spending more than $95-thousand to get ice back in the Ice for Kids Arena by mid-September.

It to replace a key part of the rink's ice plant that experienced an ammonia leak last week.

Community Service Manager Jason Kabel says the upside is the problem was identified soon enough to avoid a major disruption.

Users who booked the rink later this summer will be moved to the 52 Canadians Arena.

Fort Frances Gets Helping Hands

Some helping hands for the town of Fort Frances.

Union Gas is providing the town with four thousand dollars to be used on improvement projects identified by the company's employees.

Utility Services and Construction manager Luke Skaarup says it's part of a company initiative known as Helping Hands.

Three projects are at the Memorial Sports Centre with the other funding flowers for the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce's annual beautification project known as Project Petunia.

No Fires Burning

All forest fires burning in the Rainy River district are now out.

The most recent was a human caused fire near Manion Lake, about 15 kilometres east of Mine Centre.

There have been 27 fires in the district since the start of this year's forest fire season,

Highway Open Again

Highway 11 near Atikokan is back open to traffic.

Provincial Police were dealing with a big rig carrying a wide load that got stuck at a construction site, just west of the community yesterday afternoon.

It forced that closure of a section of the highway to be temporarily shut down.

Local Board Not All That Happy With Teachers Deal

Last week's deal between the Province and Elementary Catholic teachers is getting a luke-warm response from the Northwest District Catholic School Board.

Education Director Mary Catherine Kelly says the deal came as a surprise to her, noting that the Ontario Catholic School Trustees Association, which represents Catholic Board, wasn't even consulted on the deal.

Report suggest the Association withdrew from negotiations the night before the deal was reached.

Kelly says they'll move forward on the contract they maybe didn't want, but wants to see more details.

Police Get Help Stopping Stolen Vehicle

A little assistance from the public and General Motors helped police nab a young driver and a vehicle reported stolen from Seine River First Nation Sunday night.

Provincial Police were altered first by Treaty Three Police, then tracked the vehicle down based on information from the public who complained of it operating in an erratic manner.

Constable Anne McCoy says when the 2010 Chevrolet Avalanche failed to stop for police, officers turned to General Motors OnStar service who safely shut the truck ignition off.

The driver, who is under the age of 18, faces several charges. 

Boating Accident

Police are investigating a boating accident on Lake of the Woods near Morson.

Provincial Police say two boats collided with one ending up on the shore.

A 69-year-old Winnipeg man was transported to hospital in Winnipeg with serious injuries.

The driver of the other boat wasn't injured.

Population Sign To Be Changed

The Ministry of Transportation is poised to make a change to the town of Fort Frances population sign.

It's to better reflect the town's true population.

Statistics Canada has it at just under 8-thousand people.

The sign reads 85-hundred.

The MTO plans to change it to 8-thousand.

Some Anglers Not Following the Law

A recent enforcement blitz by the Ministry of Natural Resources has found some anglers not obeying area fishing regulations.

Sixteen charges and 25 warnings were issued in the blitz that saw Conservation officers visit 25 fishing lodges and one provincial park at the end of June.

More Mosquitos In Minnesota

Recent hot weather in Minnesota is helping to increase the mosquito population in the state.

The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District says some of its traps are counting twice the typical  population normally found.

The last few months have been good for mosquitoes: moist breeding grounds plus warm temperatures.

Ice Plant Problems at Memorial Sports Centre

There may be no ice available at the Ice for Kids Arena in Fort Frances until the middle of September.

A burst tube within the ice plant's chiller caused an ammonia leak last week.

There's now concern about the condition of the other 100-plus tubes.

A report from Community Services manager Jason Kabel recommends the entire chiller be replaced at a cost of $84-thousand.

Fall and summer bookings are being moved to the 52 Canadians rink in the meantime.

Benefit Planned for Rainy River Woman

Friends and family of an area woman are rallying to help raise money for some specialized cancer treatment.

Cindy Asselin of Rainy River was diagnosed with terminal esophageal cancer in January 2011 and told by doctors in March there's no treatment left for her.

Her son Scott says she now has a chance to get treatment in California.

A benefit will be held July 17 at the Legion in Rainy River to raise the $38-thousand needed.

An account has also been set up at CIBC in Cindy's name for those who would like to donate money.

Courthouse Opens

Court proceedings expected to resume today back at the Fort Frances courthouse.

The building was shutdown over a week ago because of a water line break.

A spokesperson for the Attorney General's office says certain sections of the basement are still closed, including the Ontario Court of Justice courtroom  and the Intake Court.

Matters to heard by those courts are being rescheduled to other rooms.

Junkheap Removed From Road

Minn. State Patrol photo

Minnesota State Patrol is talking about this one that didn't get away.


Troopers stopped a Ford Pinto Canada Day on Highway 53 just south of International Fall for unsafe equipment.

Minn. State Patrol photo

Much of the vehicle, both outside and inside was rusted out with a tire holding up the driver's seat.

A gas can, located in the passenger seat, was rigged up to the engine.

 The car was impounded and the driver now faces several charges.

Youth Arrested

An area youth is facing several charges following an incident last night.

OPP say the youth was driving a pick-up truck officers attempted to stop when he fled, driving in a dangerous manner.

Police received several calls about the vehicle operating in the same manner before eventually arresting the driver.

Concern With Area Gold Project

A U.S. financial services group isn't optimistic Rainy River Resources will be on target to get its open-pit gold mine north of Barwick in operation.

UBS points to recent drops in gold prices.

It suggests with prices down 15 per cent off last year's highs, Rainy River Resources project will likely remain in a state of incubation until prices improve.

The company has targeted construction to begin in 2014 and is currently working towards the start of an environmental assessment.

Bridge Work Begins Today

Work to replace two bridges on Highway 11 east of International Falls is to begin today.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation says traffic at the Tilson Creek and Jackfish Bay bridges will be reduced to one lane controlled by traffic signals.

More Forest Fires In Rainy River District

Another two forest fires on the weekend in the Rainy River district.

A small blaze near Manion Lake along the Turtle River Road was human caused and is under control.

Another lightning-caused fire near Clarkson Lake, east of Nestor Falls, is out.

The forest fire rating in the region is currently moderate.

Wind Power Not Working - MPP

A northern Ontario MPP says pristine locations are being sacrificed for a source of power that's failing Ontario residents.

Conservative Vic Fedeli says as demand topped 23-thousand megawatts yesterday, wind power was contributing just 77 of those megawatts.